NBA's best bench players: No. 4 Lou Williams

Almost everybody who has played basketball since grade school wants to be a starter. But in the NBA, even quality players must be resigned to coming off the bench.

It's a job that calls for stars to swallow their pride and ego, and sacrifice for the team.

This week, we're ranking the Top 10 bench players in the league, based largely on last season's performance. One requirement: Players must come off the bench for more games than they start.

Think a player's ranking is too high or too low? Voice your opinion by writing in the comments field below.

Lou Williams

Bench ranking: 4th

Current team: Philadelphia 76ers

Height/weight: 6-1, 175

Age on Oct. 27, 2011: 25

Seasons in NBA: 6

Total games played off bench/starts: 75/0.

Stats coming off bench: Williams, who can play both guard spots, averaged 13.7 points and 3.4 assists per game last season to help the Sixers reach the playoffs. He shot just 41 percent from the field. He averaged 23.3 minutes per game and shot a stellar 82 percent at the line.

What makes him a terrific bench player: Williams can instantly change the pace of the game. He creates havoc on both ends, and gets to the free-throw line. He had 14 games in which he attempted eight or more free throws. Williams scored 20 or more points 14 times, including 30 against Washington.

bschmitz@tribune.com.Read his blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/magicblog. Subscribe to our Orlando Magic newsletter at OrlandoSentinel.com/joinus.